New Players Guide to the Sithlore Universe

[Jay Mertaal]

Hello, and welcome to the Sithlore Universe! The year is ABY29 (29 years after the Battle of Yavin).

Sithlore Universe? What's that? you may ask. Well, put simply, the Sithlore Universe is an alternate reality, based on but different to the Star Wars Expanded Universe of the novels and other released material. It's a clone if you will, although a clone that grew a different way. So, how is it different? Well, first lets examine how it is the same. Everything that happened in the Star Wars films and before happened on Sithlore too. You can take it as red that everything you've seen in the films happened just the way you remember.
However, if you've read any of the novels set after the films, things are a little (but not completely) different. If you've never read them, you don't need to worry!
Much of Sithlore's early history was, in fact, a re-telling of the events of the books. We had Grand Admiral Thrawn, a Si Ruuk invasion, a Yuzzian Vong war etc. However, all of those events happened a bit differently and with different characters to how they went down in the books. One of the most crucial differences is that in Sithlore Han, Leia, Luke, Lando and Chewie were not important people after the events of the films.

The main important difference you need to understand to RP here with confidence is the current balance of Galactic Power. Just like in the official Star Wars universe this changes, but generally speaking there are the two great powers you know and love (or hate): On one side the Galactic Empire replete with Star Destroyers, Tie Fighters, grey uniforms and a desire to dominate. On the other hand is the Galactic Alliance, which is basically the modern version of the Republic, with Mon Calamari Cruisers, X-Wings and the Jedi at their side.
Neither of these great powers has the upper hand for too long, and of course much of the galaxy remains neutral, independent or under the influence of the smaller powers. In Sithlore the Sith Order are completely separate from the Empire, have discarded the Rule of Two and revived the Sith Empire of the ancient past. The Galactic Underworld is represented by the Blue Star Pirates, a large and powerful group of dashing rogues who vie with the other underworld powers for dominance in the black market. But as you would expect of any Star Wars universe there are still Hapans and Hutts, Corporate Sector Authority, Bounty Hunters and Smugglers.

So how do I roleplay on Sithlore? Well, don't worry too much. People managed quite well before this guide was written, so if the content you've just read confuses you, ignore it! This is still Star Wars, with X-Wings, Stormtroopers, Hyperspace travel, blasters, droids and all the rest. Also, wherever possible we've tried to stick to the Expanded Universe (of the novels), so unless something that happened on SL directly contradicts something in the books, we try to assume that it happened (roughly) the same way. You can start off on Tatooine, Corellia, Coruscant (the Imperial Capital) or any of the planets familiar to you from the films.

The main thing is to have fun, and not get too bogged down or intimidated by the fact that this is a board with a unique history. Most people have managed for years to RP here very successfully with absolutely no knowledge of the history of the board (or even much of a knowledge of Star Wars), so don't let it worry you. The present of Sithlore is very much like the present of the Star Wars of the films and books, and if you simply presume that's where you are, it's very unlikely you'll go wrong. We're also friendly bunch, and nobody worries about a new person putting their foot in it a bit. It happens only very rarely (even before this guide was written) and when it does someone will just point it out in a friendly manner, and help you get on track.

Welcome to Sithlore!
~Jay Mertaal.
Board Owner.